Knob & Tube Wiring

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(250) 475-6051

Residential Specialists

Experts in knob & tube, electric heating, and panel and service upgrades

Century home Specialists

We preserve while upgrading your Pre 1945 character home

Lenius and Osborn Electric have been specializing in rewiring Knob and Tube Electrical systems since 1991 and collectively within the company we have over 80 years experience in this very specialized field.

 

Knob and tube wiring in need of replacement
Applications

Residential

category

maintenance

Typically Found in

Pre 1940's Homes

Non-intrusive approach to wiring for the preservation of your home

Let us know the details of your existing wiring and how we can help. We will let you know what is required and provide you with a free pricing estimate. An onsite visit can also be arranged as necessary.

Minimally invasive, retrofit, and non-destructive
Knob and Tube wiring replacement and repair

Our team goes the extra mile to preserve and protect your character home with non-destructive upgrade options for your knob and tube wiring. All of our Journeyman Electricians have many years experience in rewiring and all of our Registered Apprentices have been specifically trained in the proper practices of taking the least or no damage approach to existing walls and ceilings.

We believe in doing everything necessary to preserve the beauty and originality of our customer’s homes. Remote cameras and special tools are used on all projects and we have performed hundreds of rewires with no painting and patching being required.

Lenius & Osborn Electric have hundreds of happy customers who have been provided with a job on time and under budget and we want to add you to our ever growing list of references.

Whether it’s prior to selling your home, pre-purchase, wanting to renovate, or making your family home safer, you can be confident when hiring us that you have chosen an electrical contractor with the most experience in knob and tube rewiring in Victoria and we encourage you to call our references to hear first hand from customers who have had rewires completed by the skilled team at Lenius & Osborn on time and on budget.

Glass fuse panel with knob and tube wiring

Benefits:

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Why is Knob & Tube Wiring Considered Dangerous?

  • Age of wiring

    Knob & tube wiring was used up until the 1940s. Today’s modern appliances and electronics consume more electricity and if you still have outdated knob and tube wiring, you are running the risk of overloading the wiring which can cause an electrical fire.

  • Insulation

    Insulation was typically installed over the knob & tube wiring which increases the risk of fire. This extra layer of rubber cloth insulation has minimal space to disperse heat that builds up as current flows through the wires.

  • Alterations & Repairs

    We see quite a few issues with knob & tube wiring that were due to DIY fixes or untrained handymen. These old systems are challenging to find parts for which often leads to band-aid solutions and improper alterations.

  • Absence of Ground Wire

    Knob & tube wiring does not have a ground wire (two-pronged outlet) which makes it unsafe for modern three-pronged appliances and electronics.

  • Moisture

    Aluminum knob & tube wiring is not suitable for moist environments. Areas that have been exposed to moisture can be dangerous and a shocking hazard.

Knob and Tube Wiring: A Brief Overview

Knob and tube wiring, a pioneering electrical installation method, was prevalent in North America from the late 1880s to the early 1940s. This system, characterized by its distinct separation of electrical conductors and its reliance on porcelain insulators (knobs) for running wires through open air and tubes to protect wires passing through wood framing, was the standard in residential electrical wiring for several decades.

Today, in Victoria, BC, knob and tube wiring is often encountered during the renovation of historical homes. While it was considered highly advanced for its time, modern electrical standards and safety requirements have evolved, rendering knob and tube systems outdated. Homeowners and electricians in Victoria face unique challenges when dealing with knob and tube wiring, such as ensuring compatibility with modern appliances, meeting current electrical codes, and addressing potential insurance and safety concerns. Electing to upgrade to contemporary wiring systems not only enhances electrical safety but also supports the functionality of modern electronic devices and home automation systems, making it a crucial consideration for preserving Victoria’s rich architectural heritage while ensuring the safety and convenience of its residents.